Was your first child a C-section - what will you do for second child?

Katie - posted on 03/30/2010
(
416 moms have responded
)

8

13

0

I had a c-section for my first baby - I'm already concerned about my next pregnancy - whether I should have a c-section again or consider VBAC? I'm not sure the risks - but I would like to be able to have at least 3 children (so at least 2 more!) Any thoughts - or anyone else in same position?

MOST HELPFUL POSTS

[deleted account]

I strongly suggest you watch the video "Business of Being Born" with your husband--that really gave my husband food for thought on what was safest for us. It really helped change the direction my 2nd birth was going. I had a C-section for my first child, Gavin, due to placenta previa, but had no complications with my 2nd. Still, my doctor was pushing for a C-section again, even though all the statistics are very clear that for both mother and baby the outcomes are better with a VBAC. I took a Bradley birth class, found a midwife who was experienced with VBAC, and birthed my beautiful daughter, Naomi, into the world safely through my vagina at home. It was a very healing experience after the trauma of a C-section and all the subsequent interventions that were necessary for myself and my son. I would also recommend Bradley birth classes, and Ina May Gaskin's book "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth". They really gave me some great advice on how to relax through the contractions and work with my body--so great, actually, that I birthed my daughter from first contraction to out of my body in 6 hours! I wish you a safe and healthy birth, do what feels right and best for yourself and your baby. You are the one who has to live with the decisions you make, so educate yourself about all your options and go from there.

My first was a horrible emergency c-section (where the spinal block failed so I could feel everything) after an induced labour did not progress - I didn't want to go through that experience again so with my second I insisted on a VBAC and got my wish! It was a totally wonderful experience and very, very rewarding. Any more will definitely be natural! My midwives were very supportive and I live in a rural town in outback Australia where VBACs are extremely rare, but I didn't let this stop me. The OBs said they wanted me to have another c-section, they explained all the risks but I did a lot of research online, plus spoke in great depth to a few midwives and a female OB and they all supported my decision. I ended up 12 days overdue with my little girl but she finally arrived, safe and sound! The only downside was I had to be hooked up to the monitors the whole time so they could make sure everything was going fine - this meant I couldn't walk out the contractions! My recovery after the VBAC was SO much easier than from the c-section - plus the added bonus was my milk supply came in super fast and super early compared to after my c-sect. Also, all the contractions and pushing helped get my tummy back into shape so I was back in my pre-pregnancy clothing within 2 months, instead of 6-8 mths after my c-sect! I hope this helps give you a bit of perspective...definitely if you want a VBAC you should at least be able to try!! They can't force you to have a c-section if you don't want one - it's always your choice!

The more c-sections you have the more possibility for complications. Repeat c-sections lower your fertility, increase the chance of uterine rupture far beyond that of a VBAC. Look into an ICAN meeting near you. They will help you find doctors and hospitals that support VBAC. Check out http://www.ican-online.org/ It's very possible to have a VBAC you just need someone who is on your side. Best wishes to you!

I had a choice with my 2nd and 3rd child...I chose c-sections! My first one went so well that I wouldn't want it any other way. My doctor (who delivered my last 2, not my first), told me after he delivered my 2nd that I wouldn't have been able to push her through because her head was so big and my pelvis was so small. So he said if I would have tried a VBAC, I would have ended up having an emergency c-section. So I'm glad I went with the option. It's all I knew...but nothing went wrong.

If you are planning to have more than 2 children, you should really push your doctor for a natural birth!! I had a complication after my 3rd baby that ended in 3 operations, 1st was a hysterectomy to save my life, 2nd was to put packing in my tummy to stop another bleed out that happened and to put a clamp on my Femoral Artery to stop bleeding and the 3rd was to remove the packing! I also had a 9 Unit blood transfusion and a 4 day stay in ICU!! The complication is called PLACENTA ACRETTA and it is where the placenta grows into the muscle of the uterus and cannot be removed which causes massive bleeding and sometiimes even death!! My husband was told to call my family because the surgeon didn't know if I was going to survive!! This complication usually happens in women who have had previous c-sections (apparently the placenta likes to attach itself to scar tissue!), and the more you have, thee more at risk you are!! I had never had a c-section and was quite a rare case (the complication is rare any way!), but whenever threads like these pop up, I like to let women know what could potentially go wrong if you keep CHOOSING to have c-sections!! I didn't even know that placenta acretta existed until I went through it!! Lots of doctors will now do hysterectomies on you if you are having a 3rd c-section because of the increased risks of complications like placenta acretta!!! Maybe do a little research and look up complications that can happen after multiple c-sections and discuss these with your doctor because as I found out, doctors don't really check for these things and they don't let you know the risks of having multiple c-sections! Like I said, placenta acretta is very rare, but it is somethhing to think about when choosing what kind of delivery you want to use for your baby!!!

416 Comments

View replies by

Carolyn - posted on 04/02/2010

2

6

0

I had my first child in 1987. He was born via c-section. My second child, in 1991, was born via VBAC. At the time, alot of doctors were of the notion that once a section, always a section. I was lucky that I had a younger doctor that let me try for a VBAC. Both methods have their ups and downs. For me, the recovery was about the same for both. I had an easier time with the section than I did with the episiotomy, but that's me. A section is still considered major surgery, and should not be taken lightly. The best advice I can give you is to talk to your doctor. I was cut horizontally through the uterus which the doctor told me is less likely to rupture during future births. Alot might depend on how you were cut. Write all your question and concerns down and ask your doctor.

Hello Katie, i have two children, although my children are 21 and 25 tears old, i though my experience might help you. My son was a c-section and i didn't want to go through another c-section when i got pregnant with my daughter. I asked the doctor and he agreed i tried ti have it normally, with supervision of course. My daughter was born without a need of c-section, it was a lot of pain because of the normal vaginal scision, but overall it was ok. I hope this help you. May the Lord guide you through the right decision. Blessings, Elvia

I have 6 children, the first being a C-Section.. When my first child was 10 my husband and I chose to have more children. I knew that I would make every attempt to have any future children naturally, so I looked for a doctor and/or midwife that was willing to assist me. I found an office that employed both doctors and midwives which was perfect. I knew ahead of time exactly how I wanted my birth experiences to play out, and thankfully I had been a labor and delivery coach for other moms so it was easy to plan out what I would and would not include. I did not want any drugs, IV, or an episiotomy. I also did not want to be confined to a bed or a room with someone else giving me constant instruction. I especially did not want anyone interacting with me (except my husband) so as not to lose concentration while working through contractions. Walking around the hospital or birthing center was key for me. Each of my five V-Backs went perfectly. The longest time in hospital labor was 6 hours and the shortest (my last baby) was 10 minutes. I was able to focus and use all my labor coach experience to speed up my labor and delivery, avoid drugs and IVs, and avoid stitches with three of the deliveries (the other two were minimal). Information, good planning, and great support are the keys. I loved my midwives!!

After my first emergency C my doctor told me to wait 2 years to give my body a chance to heal. After 3 years I became pregnant again & had twins I carried them to 39 weeks (I had the option to go full term and try for natural but was warned about another possible emergency C). My boys weighed 7 Ib 11 oz & 7lb 2 oz at birth. Because of the scheduled C I also scheduled a tubal at the same time. My recovery was a little longer but I was glad I went that way. The emergency C was scary and I was much more relaxed during the second, even joking with the doctors during the procedure.

It depends on your doctor. I had a natural birth for first and c section for second and the natural birth wins hands down. My obstritian says that unless there are complications it should be fine for me to go VBAC for number 3. I would talk to your obstitician (not GP) before you get pregnant and see what he/she says. They would be best to determine your risks and let you know when the best time is to get pregnant. I know I have to wait 18 months before I do as my doctor said it is safer for VBAC.

I just had a totally unmedicated vaginal birth after 2 c/s. Many Ob's are afraid for litigation reasons, not genuine risk to the mother. The risk of rupture is less than 1% if the birth is not augumented and your previous scar is a low transverse. Please look around for a provider than will work with you as the risk of c/s ismuch greater in many ways. There is a link on Facebook called the unnessecearian that has great info. A totally research based web site is the International Cesearean Awareness Network. www.ican.org There are many local chapters throughout the country. Remember as you are shopping for a provider that you are their customer and they get paid for helping people. OB's are not gods. Midwives provide great services and the sucess rate of homebirth vbac's is higher than going to the hospital. Good luck. Educate yourself and you will get what you want. The NIH just had a huge conferance earlier in March and is strongly encouraging care providers to make it easier for mom's to have VBAc's.

My first child was delivered vaginally, but my second one was delivered by C-Section. Every delievery is different one has nothing to do with the other. My second one was delivered by c-section because she was already late and once she started dropping she went back up....But I do have a sister who has 2 boys both were delivered by c-section. She tried to deliver vaginally with the second one but was told her frame was too small. The first one was a emergency delivery so she kinda go bucthered on that one cut up and down.....doctors told her that she could only have 2 delivered by c-section....they said that they could cut in the same place due to weakening of muscles once they are cut so the first time she had up and down and the second time she had bikini cut.....I would get a second opinion.though

My sister had VBAC and her 2nd kid was huge, 11 lbs 8 oz I think, and she had no probs. She did talk to her doc tho before making this decision. Remember, the same solution isn't always best for everyone. Do you have a doc you like and trust? If not, find one you do and talk to them about it.

You need a real medical opinion from a good doctor and all depends why you had the first c-section. I know a mother who is up to number 5 child and the first was delivered by c-section. Why did you have the c-section?

I had an emergency c-section the first time and when I got pregnant a year later I left it up to my dr. She wanted to make sure I had another c-section the second time because of how close they pregnancies were to each other. Her other concern was how many kids I was planning on having. We only wanted 2. My advice is to let your dr be part of your decision.

My first was c-section and i was given the option of natural or another c-section i went for natural as i always wanted to experience a natural birth. But after 10 hours in labour i had to have another c-section as it wasn't progressing enough, I think it is really worth trying.

I had an emergency c-section (no labour just baby in distress). With the second I asked for a VBAC and they said yes - they initially wanted a c-section and I asked whether the risks outweighed the surgery risks of the c-section and they said no the risks of VBAC did not outweigh surgery risks at this point. Due to fetal distress I ended up having another c-section after I was induced. But what I learned was - you can ask and then ask for them to tell you the risks of both methods. Second thing I learned was if you are induced after a first c-section the method of induction is quite intrusive. The third thing I learned is that you will be heavily monitored (which is good from safety perspective - bad for comfort). Finally you may still have a c-section so you should be prepared for ANY outcome.

My first was an emergency CS. My 2nd we tried for a VBAC and I didn't dilate so it was another emergency CS. My 3rd I was just booked in for a CS. Find a doctor that supports your efforts for a VBAC and your chances are much better.

VBAC is SAFE! Vaginal birth after cesarean is a very safe option for most women, however waiting at least 18 months in between children is advised. I am a doula and have helped many women VBAC. ACOG just released new statistics documenting the safety of VBAC's. You can find great information through your local ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network). Choosing a care provider who is supportive of VBAC and has the stats to prove it is essential. Good luck!

I tried for a VBAC. Had a totally normal pregnancy both time and ended up with c-sections because my kids had BIG heads (32 cm). They just wouldn't drop. It's often difficult to find doctors and hospitals that will do VBAC's but all the nurses that interacted with said the risks are slim and rare. If I had it to do again though, I would have taken my docs advice and allowed her to induce me at 38 weeks so that my 2nd didn't get so big. I was happy with my care and the out comes. After two c-sections though, you'll only be allowed c-sections for more.

I had my first child c-section & my second one vaginal birth, so it can be done. I had no problems with the vaginal birth. Talk to your Dr. about it. It probably depends on why you had to have a c-section & any other health problems you might have.

Check with your local hospital. More and more refuse to do anything but a C-section with additional children once one has been done. I have had two C-sections and both went well. They used the original incision so there is only 1 scar.

Ok, the reason you had the first c-section is the determining factor for your doctor.I had to have an emergency c-section with my 2 year old son(he was my first child)because of "fetal intolerance to labor" and the fact that after 18 hours of labor I had stalled at 6 cm.I am now expecting fraternal twin girls mid-june and my doctor will not let me consider VBAC(not that I would want to lol)But thats also because both of my girls are breech and on top of that since I will be delivering early, a c-section is the safest route for me and my babies.If you CHOSE to have a c-section the first time, they should give you no problems unless a serious complication could occur.

Ok, the reason you had the first c-section is the determining factor for your doctor.I had to have an emergency c-section with my 2 year old son(he was my first child)because of "fetal intolerance to labor" and the fact that after 18 hours of labor I had stalled at 6 cm.I am now expecting fraternal twin girls mid-june and my doctor will not let me consider VBAC(not that I would want to lol)But thats also because both of my girls are breech and on top of that since I will be delivering early, a c-section is the safest route for me and my babies.If you CHOSE to have a c-section the first time, they should give you no problems unless a serious complication could occur.

i have had 2 c-sections and im pregnant again with my 3rd child an im also having this one by c-section. Having the VBAC ive heard that its risky since you've already had a c-section the first time. I've heard its a risk for both you an the baby. You can still have 3 kids by c-section. It all depends on how far apart you have your kids. The amount of time you give yourself to actually heal.

I had a c-section for my first child and had scheduled a second c section. However baby had different plans and came three weeks early. Ended up having her totally natural... because we had planned for a section and there was not even time for an epidural as i was already 8 1/2 centimeters. I got scared about the v-bac complications, but even with out my dr there i was able to get through with out any complications of any kind! Now 4 years later without the ability to have any more children i am so grateful that i was able to have a v-bac!

i had a csection with my 1st after a 36hr induced labour. i did get the full 10cm but bub was posterior so every time i pushed his head flexed back. i fell preganat with my 2nd when he was 7mths. hospital said it was generally csection after csection but i was devastated that i had a csection 1st the recovery was terrible so i asked 2 at least try a natural and if it wasnt possible then a cscection. i went in2 labour naturally 5hrs later no drugs my boy was born naturally and i felt on top of the world. i am now pregnant with my 3rd due in august and i plan 2 do the same. im studying 2 b a midwife and i find the misconceptioon of once a csection always a csection very frustrating. u r entitled 2 try 4 a natural if u wish obviously the health of u and bub permit but 2 many csections r being performed now with no legitimate reasons. natural deliveries r better 4 u and bub unless there r reasons it is not possible. goodluck and be strong xxx

Gosh Lorraine! I'm so sorry that happend to you! Mine were born in 1993 & 1996 ~ both c-sections and all went well including healing. Once in a great while I can feel the scar tissue pull but nothing major.

There are doctors that believe that VBACs are low risk (according to research). Though, many doctors won't perform them. If it is important to you to have a natural childbirth experience, then I would check with your doc. If he/she won't do it, there are doctors out there that will entertain the idea. I am in the same place as you, but I know I want to try natural. I found a doc that will look at my c-section records and decide if it would be too risky to try natural. Good luck.

I had an emergency c-section in 1993 due to my pelvic bones were too small. Our son (who is now 16 - yikes!) was 8lbs. with a large head.

My husand and I had another child in 1996 and the doctor gave us the option to try vaginal again or planned c-section. We choose the planned c-section and I am glad we did for several reasons; 1) We were able to choose our 2nd son's birth-date. They gave us a week to choose and we could pick the date. 2) With already having one child at home and a dog, we were able to plan ahead with bringing our son and dog to a family member's home. 3) take time off of work. 4). Get everything else done before he came home! 5). Last but not least ~ our 2nd son weighed 8lbs.10oz.!

Since our last was 14 years ago, health wise for myself and the boys...we all did wonderful and no one had any issues or complications.

I had an emergency c-section in 1993 due to my pelvic bones were too small. Our son (who is now 16 - yikes!) was 8lbs. with a large head.

My husand and I had another child in 1996 and the doctor gave us the option to try vaginal again or planned c-section. We choose the planned c-section and I am glad we did for several reasons; 1) We were able to choose our 2nd son's birth-date. They gave us a week to choose and we could pick the date. 2) With already having one child at home and a dog, we were able to plan ahead with bringing our son and dog to a family member's home. 3) take time off of work. 4). Get everything else done before he came home! 5). Last but not least ~ our 2nd son weighed 8lbs.10oz.!

Since our last was 14 years ago, health wise for myself and the boys...we all did wonderful and no one had any issues or complications.

My two children were born by Csection, one in 1978 and the second in 1980. At that time many women were having Csections. After my son was born, I was told not to have another child. The scar did not heal properly and there was no VBAC back in 1980. I wanted a third child but was discouraged against trying.

hello my name is julia. i personally didn't have a c-sec myself but i was a c-sec for my mom. i am one of 4 kids and i was the only c-sec she had. my other three siblings we vbac. and she didnt have any problems with any one of them. i hope this helps you.

If I have any more children, I want to have a vaginal birth after cesarean. My surgeon said to show any future doctor my discharge paperwork and that there shouldn't be any problem with me giving birth naturally in the future.

If the doc will let you I would go that route. The more they cut you open the more chance you will have for problems because of the scar tissue.

I had a c-section with my first son ten years ago. Since then I have had two successful VBACs. Yes labor is hard and painful but I am grateful that I did not have to go through c-section recovery and take care of the baby and older child(ren). The recovery was much easier with a VBAC. The first time I had a doula and the next time I had a midwife. Both times were at a hospital for safety reasons but the outcome was amazing. Now I am pregnant again and will have another VBAC.

My first was an emergency c-section so was very nervous about the whole next experience. I opted for an elective c section for my second child as also had gestational diabetes and was termed high risk. However every time I went for a check up at the hospital I was pushed towards a natural delivery and when I went into hospital with contractions the nurses/midwifes actually left me to have a natural delivery giving excuses that the doctor couldnt be called until 8am (I went in at 2am). Thankfully everything went OK and I have a lovely daughterv - vbac can be done after all. However - make sure you get what you want - cos up until 10 minutes before I gave birth we still assumed I was going for a c-section (but nurses had other ideas and made me wait). Having done it both ways - both recovery was about the same, but Ive heard that with a second c-section recovery is even quicker. Make sure you have all the info, and dont worry too much - just make sure you get what you want and not hospital staff worried about budgets etc.!!

Hi, I had a c-section with my first child which was an emergency one. Six years later when i was pregnant with my second i opted for a c-section but my daughter was breach so i had to have a c-section anyway. 13 months after that i was back having my third c-section with my son and that one was not optional. If you have a c-section with your second then you have to go down that road with your third but you can push for natural with your second as long as everything is ok. I think it depends on the time between each one. All i can say is recovery for my c-sections for my first and second child was easy but third was terrible and you also have to remember that with your first you only have one baby to look after and yourself. So next time you will have two children to look after so recovering from a c-section becomes harder and you need to recover quickly to manage your babies.

I had a cesarian birth for my first child due to placenta privia and plan to hopefully have a natural birth for my second child as long as I don't have placenta privia again. My cesarian was planned and therefore my doctor was able to perform the surgery along the lines that I would be able to have a natural birth for my second.

I know many woman whom have had cesarian births and gone on to have healthy natural births for their second and third child.

I would suggest that you do what is right and safe for both you and your baby. We are told to often that a cesarian birth is not really giving birth but in my opinion you give birth the safest possible way for both mother and baby. Remember the most important thing is that you and your baby are safe both before and after the birthing process which ever you may choose.

I had a c-section for my first child and had scheduled a second c section. However baby had different plans and came three weeks early. Ended up having her totally natural... because we had planned for a section and there was not even time for an epidural as i was already 8 1/2 centimeters. I got scared about the v-bac complications, but even with out my dr there i was able to get through with out any complications of any kind! Now 4 years later without the ability to have any more children i am so grateful that i was able to have a v-bac!

Definitely talk to your doctor, either now or when you actually start planning the next one. My doctor gave me the option to try a VBAC and laid out all the scenarios for me (scar rupturing was never his concern, as the risks are way less than what they used to be when incisions were made vertically). My first child was born via c-section because, even though I dialated fully, my cervix had a lip that would harden every time I pushed and I could not push past it. I was advised with situations like that, I would probably have the same problem the second time around. After spending 24 hours in labor only to go through the disappointment of NOT being able to deliver naturally, I opted to not put myself through that the second time around and just had the surgery scheduled. It was so much easier the 2nd time, too. I knew what to expect and found I was up and around alot sooner than I was the 1st time. It is a very personal decision. Just make sure you do your research and, if you are given a choice between the two, follow your heart. You are the only one who knows what will be best for you at that point.

oh i forgot to add that the surgeon told me on my 3rd section that everything inside was in fantastic condition for 3 sections and that i can have another one, i did however leave 2.5 years between 1st &2nd, and 4 years between 2nd & 3rd x

My first child was a c-section after a VERY difficult labor - I was begging for it by the time the dr. finally did it. For my second I was determined to do the VBAC. I had a different doc who promised me they wouldn't load me up with pitocin like the first doc did and then not give me anything for the pain. My second labor was long and I did end up with the pitocin, but this time a nurse convinced the doctor to give me an epidural even though I wasn't dilated enough and low and behold as soon as the pain was gone my son practically shot out of me! So...for me the VBAC was successful, even though the doctor told me later they were all betting I'd have to have another c-section. Once a c-section/always a c-section doesn't have to be the case if you really want a VBAC. I feel fortunate to have experienced both. And it can be perfectly safe if you work with your doctor and treat it as a high risk delivery. So, I would suggest trying for a VBAC if that's what you want :)

i had an emergancy c-section with my 1st 8 years ago, then when i got pregnant with 2nd i was given the choice to have another section or natural delivery, i chose the have a c-section as i didnt want to go through an emergency one again, as it turned out my baby was breach so i would have had to have a section any way. Then with my 3rd i had a section and no choice, but i didnt mind. Obviously if i have another that will also be a section. please remember tho that it is your body,baby and choice, if you want a section then thats fine but if you want a natural then after 1 section there is no reason why you cant. hope this helps x

2 kids - first a footling breach delivered by c-section; the second an uncomplicated VBAC. We are all fine and if wanted a 3rd it would be no problem. Group Health here in Seattle really works hard for vaginal deliveries. I trusted their opinion since they were the one's that decided to go C-section with my first that was breech.

I agree it's important to talk to your doctor to consider your personal situation. Good luck!

It total safe if your state OK it and your Doc says your safe for it. I am having my third child vbac just like my second. If everything goes well. But like all pregnancy are different so are labors so play it by ear. Listen to your body and pray about it.

My first was a C-section and it was horrible. I wanted to have a VBAC, but I didn't dilate and my cervix was thick and hard when my water spontanoeously broke. So I opted for another c-section and it was fantastic. I eeven told my husband that I would have 10 children if I feel this good after. I was off pain medicine within five days of suregery and i was released from the hospital after 2 days. the second time around is much better becuase you know what to expect.

Katie, My 1st child was delivered by C-Section but it was not by choice. After having my daughter, my doctor told me that there may be complications if my next child was not delivered by way of c-section but I believe its based on case to case bases.

My first child was an emergency c-section. My doctor was okay with me trying to have a VBAC but unfortunately after 12 hours of labor I ended up having another c-section. I was ok with that and I know that I tried. Not all Dr's agree with trying VBAC, you need to go with what feels right for you.

HI. I had a C for my first becaeuse I my BP was through the roof my second was c same reason. I still wish I was able to have a normal birth now I feel robbed that I never got to experience pushing a new life into the world and I never will. If you have the choice and your life or the baby is not at risk I would hold out and have a natual birth.. Whatever you decide I wish you all the luck in the world.

My first child was a c-section and when it came time for the second pregnancy my doc was fine with a vbac. my only problem was that my previous doctor only did one layer of stitching when the procedure was done. in order to have a vbac the second time you need to have 2 layers otherwise they risks are far to great to have a vbac. otherwise as long as your doctor is aware of the previous c-section she can make sure that she has an OR on standby just in case. Also i want 4 kids... the doctor said she had a patient who had 6 kids and 6 c-sections... so as long as you want to and everything goes well each time you should be fine.